Carrier aggregation with switchable impedance and reconfigurable network selection

ABSTRACT

Described herein are systems configured for carrier aggregation. Systems include a multiplexing circuit having a filter assembly, switching circuit with a switching path, and a switchable impedance. The filters can be designed so that when operated simultaneously (e.g., during multi-band operation) the same inductance can be used allowing the switching network to switch in a particular inductance into the path. The described systems can include an inductance that is coupled to an output port so that when operating in single-band mode, the different paths share the same inductance. Relative to other solutions, the described systems can improve performance (e.g., reduce insertion loss), reduce the number of components in the associated module, reduce manufacturing costs, and the like.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/693,035 filed Aug. 31, 2017 and entitled “SWITCHABLE IMPEDANCE PHASESHIFTER FOR SWITCHED DIPLEXING APPLICATIONS,” which claims priority toU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/385,739 filed Sep. 9, 2016 andentitled “SWITCHABLE IMPEDANCE PHASE SHIFTER FOR SWITCHED DIPLEXINGAPPLICATIONS,” which is expressly incorporated by reference herein inits entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure generally relates to front-end modules forwireless communication applications.

Description of Related Art

Wireless communication devices typically include components in afront-end module that are configured to filter and/or amplify receivedradio-frequency (RF) signals. It may be beneficial to provide impedancematching for the signals in the front-end module. The front-end modulecan be configured to include components configured to provide impedancematching for signals being processed.

SUMMARY

According to a number of implementations, the present disclosure relatesto a multiplexing system that includes a plurality of filters eachassociated with a frequency band. The multiplexing system also includesa switching assembly configured to provide one or more simultaneoussignal paths between a signal port and one or more respective filters.The multiplexing system also includes a first inductance associated withthe signal port of the switching assembly. The multiplexing system alsoincludes a second inductance coupled to an added throw of the switchingassembly, the added throw configured to be selectively connected to thesignal port to provide a targeted phase for each of the one or moresimultaneous signal paths.

In some embodiments, the multiplexing system also includes a controllercircuit configured to control the switching assembly to provide selectedsignal paths between the signal port and one or more respective filters.In further embodiments, the controller circuit is further configured tocontrol the switching assembly to selectively couple the secondinductance to the signal port.

In some embodiments, in a single-band mode, the added throw is open sothat the second inductance is not connected to the signal port. Infurther embodiments, in a multi-band mode, the added throw is closed sothat the second inductance is connected to the signal port.

In some embodiments, the second inductance is a variable inductance. Infurther embodiments, the second inductance is configured to providedifferent inductance values based at least in part on the one or moresimultaneous signal paths.

In some embodiments, the multiplexing system also includes a pluralityof additional inductances coupled to a plurality of additional throws ofthe switching assembly, the plurality of additional throws configured tobe selectively connected to the signal port to provide a targeted phasefor each of the one or more simultaneous signal paths. In someembodiments, individual paths between individual filters of theplurality of filters and the switching assembly do not include shuntinductors. In some embodiments, individual paths between individualdiplexers of the plurality of filters and the switching assembly do notinclude shunt inductors.

According to a number of implementations, the present disclosure relatesto a front end architecture that includes a multiplexer including aplurality of filters each associated with a frequency band, a switchingassembly configured to provide one or more simultaneous signal pathsbetween a signal port and one or more respective filters, a firstinductance associated with the signal port of the switching assembly,and a second inductance coupled to an added throw of the switchingassembly, the added throw configured to be selectively connected to thesignal port to provide a targeted phase for each of the one or moresimultaneous signal paths. The architecture also includes a controllerimplemented to control the switching assembly to provide respectivesignal paths between the signal port and any permutation of one or moreof the plurality of filters and to selectively couple the secondinductance to the signal port.

In some embodiments, the second inductance is a variable inductor thatis controlled by the controller to provide a tailored inductance value.In some embodiments, the first inductance or the second inductance isimplemented as a surface mount technology device.

In some embodiments, the architecture also includes additionalinductances coupled to additional throws of the switching assembly. Infurther embodiments, the controller is further configured to selectivelycouple the signal port to the second inductance, to an individualinductance of the additional inductances, to a combination of theadditional inductances, or to any combination of the second inductanceand an additional inductance.

According to a number of implementations, the present disclosure relatesto a wireless device that includes an antenna port coupled to anantenna. The wireless device also includes a multiplexer coupled to theantenna port, the multiplexer including a plurality of filters eachassociated with a frequency band, a switching assembly configured toprovide one or more simultaneous signal paths between a signal portcoupled to the antenna port and one or more respective filters, a firstinductance associated with the signal port of the switching assembly,and a second inductance coupled to an added throw of the switchingassembly, the added throw configured to be selectively connected to thesignal port to provide a targeted phase for each of the one or moresimultaneous signal paths. The wireless device also includes acontroller implemented to control the switching assembly to providerespective signal paths between the signal port and any permutation ofone or more of the plurality of filters and to selectively couple thesecond inductance to the signal port.

In some embodiments, the device also includes additional inductancescoupled to additional throws of the switching assembly.

According to a number of implementations, the present disclosure relatesto a diversity receiver module that includes a packaging substrateconfigured to receive a plurality of components. The module alsoincludes a multiplexer mounted on the packaging substrate, themultiplexer including a plurality of filters each associated with afrequency band, a switching assembly configured to provide one or moresimultaneous signal paths between a signal port and one or morerespective filters, a first inductance associated with the signal portof the switching assembly, and a second inductance coupled to an addedthrow of the switching assembly, the added throw configured to beselectively connected to the signal port to provide a targeted phase foreach of the one or more simultaneous signal paths. The module alsoincludes a controller mounted on the packaging substrate, the controllerimplemented to control the switching assembly to provide respectivesignal paths between the signal port and any permutation of one or moreof the plurality of filters and to selectively couple the secondinductance to the signal port.

In some embodiments, in a single-band mode, the added throw is open sothat the second inductance is not connected to the signal port and in amulti-band mode the added throw is closed so that the second inductanceis connected to the signal port.

According to a number of implementations, the present disclosure relatesto a wireless device that includes a primary antenna and a diversityantenna spaced apart from the primary antenna, the diversity antennaconfigured to receive wireless signals corresponding to a plurality ofradio access networks. The wireless device also includes a diversityreceiver module in communication with the diversity antenna, thediversity receiver module including a packaging substrate configured toreceive a plurality of components, the diversity receiver module furtherincluding a multiplexer implemented on the packaging substrate, themultiplexer including a plurality of filters each associated with afrequency band, a switching assembly configured to provide one or moresimultaneous signal paths between a signal port coupled to the diversityantenna and one or more respective filters, a first inductanceassociated with the signal port of the switching assembly, and a secondinductance coupled to an added throw of the switching assembly, theadded throw configured to be selectively connected to the signal port toprovide a targeted phase for each of the one or more simultaneous signalpaths. The wireless device also includes a controller implemented tocontrol the switching assembly to provide respective signal pathsbetween the signal port and any permutation of one or more of theplurality of filters and to selectively couple the second inductance tothe signal port.

For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantagesand novel features have been described herein. It is to be understoodthat not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordancewith any particular embodiment. Thus, the disclosed embodiments may becarried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage orgroup of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving otheradvantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless device having a primary antenna and adiversity antenna.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diversity receiver (DRx) configuration including aDRx front-end module (FEM).

FIG. 3 illustrates a multiplexing system that includes a plurality offilters individually associated with corresponding frequency bands.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a carrier aggregation (CA) system thatcan be implemented in a front end configuration, such as a front endmodule, diversity receiver module, and/or multiple input multiple output(MiMo) module, examples of some of which are described herein.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D illustrate example implementations of amultiplexing systems with switchable impedance.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate comparisons of different multiplexerarchitectures operating respectively in a single-band mode and in amulti-band mode or carrier aggregation mode.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate comparisons of different multiplexerarchitectures operating respectively in a single-band mode and in amulti-band mode or carrier aggregation mode.

FIG. 8 shows that in some embodiments, some or all of the diversityreceiver configurations and/or carrier aggregation configurations, canbe implemented, wholly or partially, in a module.

FIG. 9 shows that in some embodiments, some or all of the diversityreceiver configurations and/or carrier aggregation configurations, canbe implemented, wholly or partially, in an architecture.

FIG. 10 depicts an example wireless device having one or moreadvantageous features described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

The headings provided herein, if any, are for convenience only and donot necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the claimed invention.

Overview

In cellular systems that support carrier aggregation, the receiver frontend processes one or more signals at the same time. In inter-bandcarrier aggregation, the cellular system separates signals from at leasttwo distinct carrier frequencies. In typical cellular systems, suchmulti-band processing is accomplished by permanently multiplexing two ormore resonant filter circuits. In such systems, however, carrieraggregation may be made more difficult due at least in part to the lossgenerated by the multiplexing circuit. Furthermore, in such cellularsystems band combinations are not allowed where frequency rangesoverlap. If these band combinations are needed, these cellular systemsgenerally duplicate filters. To address these shortcomings, somecellular systems employ an architecture that uses switching networks anddiplexers to control the paths that are activated, improving single bandoperation compared to the permanent multiplexer architecture whileproviding comparable multi-band performance. However, this architecturegenerally adds many components, such as inductors, that cannot beintegrated on the same die due at least in part to the targeted orrequired quality factor (Q) needed to achieve acceptable lossesassociated with multiplexing. To fit these inductors within a smallenvelope, some systems may reduce the physical size of the inductorswhich consequently negatively impacts the quality factor (Q) of thesystem.

Accordingly, provided herein are systems configured for inter-bandcarrier aggregation that includes a multiplexing circuit having aswitching network and diplexers wherein the switching network isconfigured to share inductors between multiple paths of the multiplexingcircuit. In certain implementations, the filters can be designed so thatwhen operated simultaneously (e.g., during multi-band operation) thesame inductance can be used allowing the switching network to switch ina particular inductance into the path. In various implementations, avariable inductance or a plurality of inductors can be switched into thepath to provide a variety of inductance values for the filters beingswitched into and out of the path. In such implementations, variouspaths can share a matching inductor that is used in single bandoperation and share an additional, switchable matching inductor that isused in multi-band operation. The described systems can include aninductance that is coupled to an output port so that when operating insingle-band mode, the different paths share the same inductance.Relative to other solutions, the described systems can improveperformance (e.g., reduce insertion loss), reduce the number ofcomponents in the associated module, reduce manufacturing costs, and thelike. The savings in size may be used to populate the module with higherquality factor inductors (e.g., having a larger physical size) resultingin higher performance.

For example, described herein are multiplexing systems that can includea plurality of filters each associated with a frequency band. Themultiplexing systems can include a switching assembly configured toprovide one or more simultaneous signal paths between a signal port andone or more respective filters. The multiplexing systems can include afirst inductance associated with the signal port of the switchingassembly. The multiplexing systems can include a second inductancecoupled to an added throw of the switch assembly, the added throwcapable of being selectively connected to the signal port to provide adesired or targeted phase for each of the one or more simultaneoussignal paths.

FIG. 1 shows a wireless device 100 having a primary antenna 130 and adiversity antenna 140. The wireless device includes an RF module 106 anda transceiver 104 that may be controlled by a controller 102. Thetransceiver 104 is configured to convert between analog signals (e.g.,radio-frequency (RF) signals) and digital data signals. To that end, thetransceiver 104 may include a digital-to-analog converter, ananalog-to-digital converter, a local oscillator for modulating ordemodulating a baseband analog signal to or from a carrier frequency, abaseband processor that converts between digital samples and data bits(e.g., voice or other types of data), or other components.

The RF module 106 is coupled between the primary antenna 130 and thetransceiver 104. Because the RF module 106 may be physically close tothe primary antenna 130 to reduce attenuation due to cable loss, the RFmodule 106 may be referred to as a front-end module (FEM). The RF module106 may perform processing on an analog signal received from the primaryantenna 130 for the transceiver 104 or received from transceiver 104 fortransmission via the primary antenna 130. To that end, the RF module 106may include filters, power amplifiers, band select switches, matchingcircuits, and other components.

When a signal is transmitted to the wireless device, the signal may bereceived at both the primary antenna 130 and the diversity antenna 140.The primary antenna 130 and diversity antenna 140 may be physicallyspaced apart such that the signal at the primary antenna 130 anddiversity antenna 140 is received with different characteristics. Forexample, in one embodiment, the primary antenna 130 and diversityantenna 140 may receive the signal with different attenuation, noise,frequency response, or phase shift. The transceiver 104 may use both ofthe signals with different characteristics to determine data bitscorresponding to the signal. In some implementations, the transceiver104 selects from between the primary antenna 130 and the diversityantenna 140 based on the characteristics, such as selecting the antennawith the highest signal-to-noise ratio. In some implementations, thetransceiver 104 combines the signals from the primary antenna 130 andthe diversity antenna 140 to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of thecombined signal. In some implementations, the transceiver 104 processesthe signals to perform multiple-input/multiple-output (MiMo)communication.

In some embodiments, the primary antenna 130 and/or the diversityantenna 140 is configured to receive signals within cellular frequencybands that fall within, for example, low-band (LB) cellular, mid-band(MB) cellular, high-band (HB) cellular, and/or ultrahigh-band (UHB)cellular. In such embodiments, the wireless device 100 can includemultiplexers 132, 142 coupled to the respective antennas 130, 140, themultiplexers being configured to separate the received signal intodifferent frequency ranges. For example, the multiplexer 132, 142 can beconfigured to include a low pass filter that passes a frequency rangethat includes low band (LB) cellular frequencies, a bandpass filter thatpasses a frequency range that includes mid-band and high-band (MB-HB)cellular signals, and a high pass filter that passes a frequency rangethat includes ultrahigh-band (UHB) cellular signals. This example ismerely for illustrative purpose. As another example, the multiplexers132, 142 can have a variety of different configurations such as adiplexer that provides the functionality of a high pass filter and a lowpass filter.

Because the diversity antenna 140 is physically spaced apart from theprimary antenna 130, the diversity antenna 140 is coupled to thetransceiver 104 by a transmission line, such as a cable or a printedcircuit board (PCB) trace. In some implementations, the transmissionline is lossy and attenuates the signal received at the diversityantenna 140 before it reaches the transceiver 104. Thus, in someimplementations, gain is applied to the signal received at the diversityantenna 140. The gain (and other analog processing, such as filtering)may be applied by a diversity receiver (DRx) module 108. Because thediversity receiver module 108 is located physically close to thediversity antenna 140, it may be referred to a diversity receiverfront-end module, examples of which are described in greater detailherein.

The RF module 106 and the DRx module 108 include respective switchableimpedance phase shifter circuits 110 a, 110 b. The switchable impedancephase shifter circuits 110 a, 110 b are configured to provide targetedimpedances for particular frequency bands, particular frequency bandcombinations, single band operation, and multi-band operation. Asdescribed in greater detail herein, the switchable impedance phaseshifter circuits 110 a, 110 b include switching networks configured toselectively couple inductive elements into a signal path to provide atargeted phase shift or impedance. The switchable impedance phaseshifter circuits 110 a, 110 b can be configured to selectively provide atargeted phase shift and/or impedance depending at least in part on amode of operation of the wireless device (e.g., single-band operation ormulti-band operation). These circuits 110 a, 110 b may be particularlyadvantageous where the wireless device is configured to operate in asingle band mode (e.g., in a non-carrier aggregation mode) and in amulti-band mode (e.g., in a carrier aggregation mode).

FIG. 2 shows a diversity receiver (DRx) configuration 200 including aDRx front-end module (FEM) 208. The DRx configuration 200 includes adiversity antenna 140 that is configured to receive a diversity signaland to provide the diversity signal to the DRx FEM 208 through adiplexer 242. The diplexer 242 can be configured to pass first signalshaving a frequency above a first threshold along a first path to the DRxFEM 208 and to pass second signals having a frequency below a secondthreshold along a second path to the DRx FEM 208. In some embodiments,the first threshold is greater than or equal to the second threshold. Asan example, the first signals can include mid- and/or high-band cellularfrequencies and the second signals can include low-band cellularfrequencies.

The DRx FEM 208 is configured to perform processing on the diversitysignals received from the diplexer 242. For example, the DRx FEM 208 maybe configured to filter the diversity signals to one or more activefrequency bands. The controller 120 can be configured to control the DRxFEM 208 to selectively direct signals to targeted filters to accomplishthe filtering. As another example, the DRx FEM 208 may be configured toamplify one or more of the filtered signals. To that end, the DRx FEM208 may include filters, low-noise amplifiers, band select switches,matching circuits, and other components. The controller 102 can beconfigured to interact with components in the DRx FEM 208 tointelligently select paths for the diversity signals through the DRx FEM208.

Similarly, the DRx FEM 208 can include a multiplexer with switchableimpedance 210 to provide a desired or targeted phase shift. The targetedphase shift can be based at least in part on signals selected forprocessing in the DRx FEM 208. The multiplexer with switchable impedance210 can be configured to selectively couple an inductor into the signalpath to provide the targeted phase shift. The controller 102 can beconfigured to control the multiplexer with switchable impedance 210 tointelligently select the impedance provided in the signal path. Thisselection can be based on the number of frequency bands selected forprocessing (e.g., single-band mode or multi-band mode) and/or theparticular frequency band(s) selected for processing (e.g., the selectedinductance can be based at least in part on the filters associated withthe selected signals).

The DRx FEM 208 transmits at least a portion of the processed diversitysignals to the transceiver 104. The transceiver 104 may be controlled bythe controller 102. In some embodiments, the controller 102 may beimplemented within the transceiver 104.

The controller 102 can be configured to control the DRx FEM 208 toselectively direct signals to suitable signal paths and/or to selectsuitable impedances for selected signal paths. Thus, the DRxconfiguration 200 can be configured to provide a targeted phase shiftwith the multiplexer 210 using a switched multiplexing configurationwhere impedance is shared for multiple signal paths. The controller 102can be configured to intelligently select the impedance coupled to thesignal path so received signals from the diversity antenna 140 include atargeted phase shift to reduce, for example, insertion losses relativeto multiplexers with permanently coupled signal paths (as opposed toswitchable signal paths). The disclosed multiplexers and front endconfigurations are configured to provide switchable impedance fortargeted phase shifting with multiplexing functionality into a front endcomponent (e.g., a DRx module, MiMo module, etc.) and to includeswitchable impedances with the multiplexer to reduce loss, reduce thenumber of components, reduce costs, and the like relative to systemsthat include inductors for each diplexer path or signal path.

Examples of Products and Architectures

FIG. 3 illustrates a multiplexing system 310 that includes a pluralityof filters 317 individually associated with corresponding frequencybands. The multiplexing system 310 includes a switching assembly 315configured to provide one or more simultaneous signal paths between asignal port 311 and one or more respective filters. The multiplexingsystem 310 includes a first inductance 313 a associated with the signalport 311 of the switching assembly 315. The multiplexing system 310includes a second inductance 313 b coupled to an added throw of theswitch assembly 315, the added throw capable of being selectivelyconnected to the signal port 311 to provide a desired or targeted phasefor each of the one or more simultaneous signal paths.

The multiplexing system with switchable impedance 310 can be implementedin a front end configuration, such as a front end module, diversityreceiver module, and/or multiple input multiple output (MiMo) module.The multiplexing system 310 may be implemented in a module with multiplepaths corresponding to multiple frequency bands and/or differentcommunication protocols. The multiplexing system 310 is coupled to adiversity antenna 140 configured to receive a diversity signal at thesignal port 311. In some implementations, the diversity signal may be asingle-band signal including data modulated onto a single frequencyband. In some implementations, the diversity signal may be a multi-bandsignal (also referred to as an inter-band carrier aggregation signal)including data modulated onto multiple frequency bands and/or datamodulated onto multiple frequency bands using different communicationprotocols.

The multiplexing system 310 has the signal port 311 that receives thediversity signal from the diversity antenna 140 and multiplexed ports319 that provide a processed diversity signal to another component, suchas a transceiver described herein. In some implementations, thediversity signal passes through a diplexer, triplexer, or othermultiplexer prior to being received at the signal port 311. The signalport 311 feeds into an input of a switching assembly 315 with the firstinductance 313 a coupled to the signal port and the switching network315. The switching assembly 315 includes a plurality of multiplexeroutputs, individual outputs corresponding to a respective frequencyband. The multiplexed ports 319 may be coupled to a second multiplexer(not shown). The inductance 313 b can be selectively coupled to thesignal paths to the respective filters 317 to provide a targeted phaseshift.

The frequency bands may be cellular frequency bands, such as UMTS(Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) frequency bands. Forexample, a first frequency band may be UMTS downlink or “Rx” Band 12,between 699 megahertz (MHZ) and 716 MHz, and a second frequency band maybe UMTS downlink or “Rx” Band 26, between 814 MHz and 849 MHz. Otherdownlink frequency bands may be used, such as those described below inTable 1 or other non-UMTS frequency bands.

The multiplexing system 310 includes a controller 102 that selectivelyactivates one or more of the plurality of paths through the switchingassembly 315. The controller 102 can intelligently activate selectedpaths based at least in part on a band selection signal received fromanother component in the front end configuration or another component ina wireless device. The controller 102 also selectively activates aprogrammed inductance with the inductance 313 b coupled to the switchingassembly 315. The controller 102 can intelligently select an inductancebased at least in part on a band selection signal received from anothercomponent in the front end configuration or another component in awireless device. The selected inductance can be configured to provide atargeted phase shift that corresponds to the selected signal(s) andassociated filter(s) 317.

As noted herein, in some implementations, the diversity signal is asingle-band signal. Thus, in some implementations, the switchingassembly 315 is a single-pole/multiple-throw (SPMT) switch that routesthe diversity signal to one of the plurality of paths corresponding tothe frequency band of the single-band signal based on a signal receivedfrom the controller 102. The controller 102 may generate the signalbased on a band select signal received from another component in thefront end configuration or from another component of a wireless device.

As noted herein, in some implementations, the diversity signal is amulti-band signal. Thus, in some implementations, the switching assembly315 is a signal splitter that routes the diversity signal to two or moreof the plurality of paths corresponding to the two or more frequencybands of the multi-band signal based on a splitter control signalreceived from the controller 102. The function of the signal splittermay be implemented as a plurality of parallel SPST switches, an SPMTswitch, a diplexer filter, or some combination of these. The controller102 may generate the splitter control signal based on a band selectsignal received by the controller 102 from another component orcontroller in the system.

Thus, in some implementations, the controller 102 is configured toselectively activate one or more of the plurality of paths based on aband select signal received by the controller 102. In someimplementations, the controller 102 is configured to selectivelyactivate one or more of the plurality of paths by transmitting asplitter control signal to a signal splitter such as the switchingassembly 315.

The multiplexing system 310 includes a plurality of bandpass filters317. Each bandpass filter 317 is disposed along a corresponding one ofthe plurality of paths and configured to filter a signal received at thebandpass filter to the respective frequency band of the one of theplurality of paths. In some implementations, the bandpass filters 317are further configured to filter a signal received at the bandpassfilter to a downlink frequency sub-band of the respective frequency bandof the one of the plurality of paths.

The multiplexing system 310 includes the switching assembly 315configured for multi-path operability and connectability to the signalport 311. The multiplexing system 310 can be configured to provideswitchable impedance using the switching assembly 315 and inductances313 a, 313 b. For example, the multiplexing system 310 can be configuredto select one or more radio access networks for processing by closingand/or opening selected switches or otherwise forming selected pathsthrough the switching network 315 and directing signals to designatedfilters associated with a desired or targeted radio access network. Themultiplexing system 310 can be configured to provide targeted phaseshifts by selectively activating inductance 313 b, wherein theinductance 313 b can include a single inductance value, multipleselectable inductance values, and/or a range of programmable inductancevalues. The intelligence for selecting the enabled paths through themultiplexing system 310 and the selected inductances can be provided bythe controller 102.

The filters 317 implemented between the switching assembly 315 and themultiplexed ports 319 can be associated with particular radio accessnetworks. The filters 317 can be any suitable filter, such as thefilters described in greater detail elsewhere herein. In someimplementations, the filters 317 are respectively configured to filtersignals corresponding to the respective radio access networks.

The controller 102 can receive an indication of desired signals (e.g.,radio access networks) or an indication of expected signals (e.g., radioaccess networks) and enable corresponding paths between the switchingassembly 315 and the filters 317. The switching assembly 315 can beimplemented as a signal splitter, a diplexer, a combination of switches,or the like, as described in greater detail elsewhere herein. Thecontroller 102 is configured to switch the paths through the switchingassembly 315 so that the signals received at the signal port 311 fromthe diversity antenna 140 are selectively passed through either one orboth of the filters 317 to select out signals from a particular radioaccess network or from a combination of radio access networks.Accordingly, the controller 102 intelligently controls the switchingassembly 315 for reconfigurable network selection using the multiplexingsystem.

In some implementations, the multiplexing system 310 is a reconfigurablemultiplexer controllable by the controller 102. For example, in someimplementations, the controller 102 is configured to selectively andintelligently activate one or more paths within the multiplexing system310 to route the diversity signal to corresponding one or more outputs.The multiplexing system 310, for example, can include the switchingassembly 315 that can selectively provide one or more simultaneous pathsthrough the switching assembly 315 to respective ports 319 of themultiplexing system 310. The controller 102 is configured to selectivelyactivate one or more of the plurality of paths based at least in part oninformation regarding the content of the diversity signal (e.g., thefrequency bands present in the diversity signal). Furthermore, thecontroller 102 is configured to selectively activate one or moreadditional paths through the inductance 313 b to provide a targeted ordesired phase shift based at least in part on information regarding thecharacteristics of the filters 317 used to filter the signals.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a carrier aggregation (CA) system 410that can be implemented in a front end configuration, such as a frontend module, diversity receiver module, and/or multiple input multipleoutput (MiMo) module, examples of some of which are described herein.The CA system 410 is similar to the multiplexing system 310 describedherein with reference to FIG. 3, except that the CA system 410 includesa filter assembly 417 and a switch path 416 through the switchingassembly 415.

As illustrated, the CA system 410 is configured to provide a transmitpath where signals are received (e.g., Tx signals) and passed to anantenna port for transmission, the signals passing through the filterassembly 417 and a switch path 416 in the switching circuit 415, whereinthe switch path 416 selectively includes an inductance 413 b. The CAsystem 410 is also configured to provide a receive path where signalsare received from an antenna port and passed to an output port forfurther processing (e.g., Rx signals), the signals passing through theswitching circuit 415 with the switch path 416 and the filters 417. Theswitching circuit 415 is coupled to the antenna port through theinductance 413 a configured to provide an impedance for single bandoperation and to provide an impedance that is combined in parallel withthe inductance 413 b to provide a targeted impedance for multi-bandoperation. The number of signal paths and signal ports can be extendedto any suitable number and are hence illustrated as a single path. Theconcepts described herein with respect to the CA system 410 can beextended to any desirable number of signal paths and input/output ports.

The CA system 410 can be configured to provide reconfigurable networkselection using the switching circuit 415. For example, the CA system410 can be configured to select one or more radio access networks forprocessing by forming selected paths through the switching network 415using the switch path 416 and directing signals to designated filters417 associated with a desired or targeted radio access network. Theintelligence for selecting the activated switch paths 416 can beprovided by a controller (not shown), similar to the controller 102described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-3.

The filter assembly 417 provides filtering for the respective signalsprovided by the switching circuit 415. The filter assembly 417 includesat least one filter per signal path through the filter assembly 417. Afilter for an individual signal path through the filter assembly 417 canbe designed to a pass a frequency band associated with a particularradio access network. The radio access networks can correspond tocellular frequency bands, examples of which are described in Table 1herein.

Although not illustrated, it is to be understood that the output of theCA system 410 can be passed to a multiplexer for signal combination. Insome embodiments, one or more of the output ports can be passed toanother module without being combined with the other signals from otheroutput ports. It is also to be understood that the CA system 410 caninclude additional components that are not included in theillustrations, such as components for impedance matching, phasematching, additional filtering, amplification, switching, etc.

The disclosed CA system 410 and the associated switchable impedancefeatures can be used in conjunction with other carrier aggregationsystems. For example, the disclosed CA system 410 can be implemented incarrier aggregation modules and systems that utilize switchedmultiplexing, examples of which are described in greater detail in U.S.Pat. Pub. No. 2015/0133067, entitled “Systems and Methods Related toCarrier Aggregation Front-End Module Applications,” published May 14,2015, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference so as toform part of this specification for all purposes.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D illustrate example implementations of amultiplexing systems 510 a-510 d with switchable impedance. Themultiplexing systems 510 a-510 d include respective switching networks515 a-515 d coupled to an antenna 140 or antenna port with an inductorL1 513 a coupled to the antenna port and switching networks 515 a-515 d,the inductor L1 513 a providing a path to a reference potential nodethrough an inductance with a value of 2 L. In each of the multiplexingsystems 510 a-510 d, shunt inductors can be excluded or eliminated fromindividual signal paths from the filters 517 to the switching network515 a-515 d, instead using a switchable impedance 513 b coupled to theswitching networks 515 a-515 d. The switching networks 515 a-515 d areconfigured to provide selectable paths to a plurality of filters 517,each filter associated with a cellular frequency band. The cellularfrequency bands are designated as BAND_a through BAND_h and can includeany suitable combination of cellular frequency bands, such as bandsselected from Table 1 below. For example, in some implementations BAND_aand BAND_b can correspond to subdivisions of B28, BAND_c can correspondto B12, BAND_d can correspond to B26, BAND_e can correspond to B29,BAND_f can correspond to B27, BAND_g can correspond to B20, and/orBAND_h can correspond to B8. Other band combinations are possible aswell, the above is merely used for illustrative purposes.

The switching networks 515 a-515 d are illustrated as a plurality ofsingle pole, single throw switches that can be independently operated.The controller 502 is configured to selectively operate the switches inthe switching networks 515 a-515 d to intelligently select desired ortargeted paths through the switching networks 515 a-515 d for furtherfiltering with an associated filter 517 and to selectively couple one ormore inductors 513 b into the signal path. In some embodiments,different cellular frequency bands can be configured to have signalpaths with inductance values coupled thereto that depend at least inpart on the cellular frequency band. In some embodiments, a front endconfiguration includes a plurality of multiplexing systems such as themultiplexing systems 510 a-510 d wherein each multiplexing systemincludes inductances 513 a, 513 b tailored for the particular cellularfrequency range (e.g., LB cellular, MB cellular, HB cellular, UHBcellular, etc.) to be processed by the multiplexing systems so that thetailored inductances provide a targeted phase shift for eachmultiplexing system and each selected signal path through the respectivemultiplexing system.

As illustrated, it is to be understood that the number of filters andassociated signal paths can be expanded to cover any suitable number ofcellular networks. For example, the multiplexing system can include N+1switchable paths where each of N paths passes through a particularfilter associated with a cellular frequency band, and the remaining pathis coupled to a switchable impedance element, such as an inductor. Byextension and as described herein, the multiplexing system can includeN+x switchable paths where each of N paths passes through a particularfilter associated with a cellular frequency band, and the remaining xpaths are coupled to switchable impedance elements.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example multiplexing system 510 a with aswitching network 515 a that is configured to selectively couple theinductor L2 513 b to the signal paths provided to the filters 517. Theinductor L2 513 b can have an inductance value of 2 L that issubstantially the same as the inductance value of the inductor L1 513 a.In a single band mode, the multiplexing system 510 a is configured toprovide a path from the antenna 140 to a particular filter 517. In amulti-band mode, the multiplexing system 510 a is configured to providea plurality of paths from the antenna 140 to selected filters 517 and tocouple the inductor L2 513 b to the signal path so that the inductors513 a, 513 b are connected in parallel. This can be used to provide atargeted phase shift in both the single band mode and the multi-bandmode. This configuration is in contrast to multiplexing systems thatinclude shunt inductors on each filter path and/or multiplexing systemsthat include shunt inductors on each diplexer path. This reduces thenumber of components used in such multiplexing systems. This can alsoreduce insertion losses in some instances in single band mode, asdescribed in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 6A and 7A.

FIG. 5B illustrates an example multiplexing system 510 b with aswitching network 515 b that is configured to selectively coupleinductors L2, L3 513 b to the signal paths provided to the filters 517.The inductors L2, L3 513 b can have tailored inductances that areconfigured to provide targeted phase shifts based at least in part onthe characteristics of the filters 517. The inductors L2, L3 513 b canbe selected in any combination depending at least in part on anoperation mode and selected signal paths. For example, in a single bandmode, the multiplexing system 510 b is configured to provide a path fromthe antenna 140 to a particular filter 517. In a multi-band mode, themultiplexing system 510 b is configured to provide a plurality of pathsfrom the antenna 140 to selected filters 517 and to selectively coupleinductor L2, inductor L3, or both inductor L2 and inductor L3 to thesignal path so that the inductor 513 a and selected inductors 513 b areconnected in parallel. This can be used to provide a targeted phaseshift in both the single band mode and the multi-band mode. This canalso be used to provide a targeted phase shift that is tailored based onthe characteristics of the filters selected for multi-band operation.

FIG. 5C illustrates an example multiplexing system 510 c with aswitching network 515 c that is configured to selectively couple aplurality of inductors 513 b to the signal paths provided to the filters517. The plurality of inductors L2, L3 513 b can have tailoredinductances that are configured to provide targeted phase shifts basedat least in part on the characteristics of the filters 517. Theplurality of inductors 513 b can be selected in any suitable combinationdepending at least in part on an operation mode and selected signalpaths. For example, in a single band mode, the multiplexing system 510 cis configured to provide a path from the antenna 140 to a particularfilter 517. In a multi-band mode, the multiplexing system 510 c isconfigured to provide a plurality of paths from the antenna 140 toselected filters 517 and to selectively couple any individual inductor513 b or combination of inductors 513 b to the signal path so that theinductor 513 a and selected inductors 513 b are connected in parallel.This can be used to provide a targeted phase shift in both the singleband mode and the multi-band mode. This can also be used to provide atargeted phase shift that is tailored based on the characteristics ofthe filters selected for multi-band operation.

FIG. 5D illustrates an example multiplexing system 510 d with aswitching network 515 d that is configured to selectively couple avariable inductor L2 513 b to the signal paths provided to the filters517. The variable inductor L2 513 b can be configured to be programmedto provide tailored inductances that are configured to provide targetedphase shifts based at least in part on the characteristics of thefilters 517. The variable inductor L2 513 b can be programmed to assumeany suitable inductance depending at least in part on selected signalpaths. For example, in a multi-band mode, the multiplexing system 510 dis configured to provide a plurality of paths from the antenna 140 toselected filters 517 and to couple the variable inductor L2 513 b to thesignal path so that the inductor 513 a and variable inductor L2 513 bare connected in parallel. In this multi-band mode, the variableinductor L2 513 b can be programmed to provide an inductance thatdepends on the particular bands selected. This can be used to provide atargeted phase shift in both the single band mode (e.g., without thevariable inductor L2 513 b) and the multi-band mode (e.g., with thevariable inductor L2 513 b assuming a tailored inductance value). Thiscan also be used to provide a targeted phase shift that is tailoredbased on the characteristics of the filters selected for multi-bandoperation.

FIG. 6A illustrates a comparison of different multiplexer architectures610 a, 610 b operating in a single-band mode. The plots 650 a, 660 aprovide simulated data corresponding to the different architectures fortwo cellular frequency bands, B12 and B26, to illustrate improvements ininsertion losses associated with providing switchable impedance fortargeted phase shifts in a switched multiplexing application.

A first example architecture 610 a, labeled “baseline” in the diagramabove and in the plots below, includes a signal port coupled to aswitching network with a single signal path from the switching networkto a duplexer that includes filters for band B12 and band B26. Thebaseline architecture 610 a includes a shunt inductor coupled to thesingle signal path between the switching network and the duplexer. Suchan architecture may experience relatively large insertion losses insingle-band operating modes. The baseline architecture 610 a may alsonot be able to support particular carrier aggregation modes if filtersin different duplexer setups have overlapping frequency bands. In such ascenario, duplicate filters may be required to provide all desired ortargeted carrier aggregation schemes.

The second example architecture 610 b, labeled “new” in the diagramabove and in the plots below, includes a signal port coupled to aswitching network with three single pole single throw switches inparallel. Two of those throws are coupled to filters for band B12 andband B26, respectively. The third throw is coupled to an inductor thatcan be selectively coupled to the signal port. The new architecture 610b also includes an inductor shunt coupled to the signal port.

The plots 650 a, 650 b respectively correspond to insertion losses as afunction of frequency for the two example cellular frequency bands: B12and B26. In each plot, the baseline architecture 610 a is illustratedwith a solid line and the new architecture 610 b is illustrated with thedashed line. In single-band operation mode, the new architecture 610 bdemonstrates lower insertion losses relative to the baselinearchitecture 610 a. This may also be referred to as a non-carrieraggregation (or non-CA) mode of operation. As shown in the plots, byincorporating a switchable inductance in parallel with a shared inductorshunt, insertion losses can be reduced relative to the baselinearchitecture 610 a that includes a shared signal path with a singleshared inductor shunt. Accordingly, the new architecture 610 b canimprove performance in wireless devices configured for carrieraggregation when operating in non-CA modes or single-band modes, whichmay be the majority of the time.

FIG. 6B illustrates performance plots 650 b, 660 b when the baselinearchitecture 610 a and new architecture 610 b operate in multi-band modeor carrier aggregation mode. In multi-band operation mode, the newarchitecture 610 b demonstrates comparable insertion losses relative tothe baseline architecture 610 a. As shown in the plots, by incorporatinga switchable inductance in parallel with a shared inductor shunt,insertion losses can be comparable relative to the baseline architecture610 a that includes a shared signal path with a single shared inductorshunt. Accordingly, the new architecture 610 b can improve performancein wireless devices configured for carrier aggregation when operating innon-CA modes or single-band modes, which may be the majority of thetime, and may provide similar performance when operating in CA modes ormulti-band modes. One advantage of the new architecture 610 b relativeto the baseline architecture 610 a when expanding the design to covermany different frequency bands is the reduction in components,particularly inductors. The new architecture 610 b provides improvedperformance in single-band operating modes and comparable performance inCA-mode while reducing the number of components used in the device. Thereduction in components can result in cost savings. The reduction incomponents may also allow opportunities to improve performance byincreasing the size and/or quality of the inductors and/or improvingother components of the architecture or device to improve performance.Accordingly, the new architecture 610 b provides increased performance,reduction in cost, and/or reduced size.

FIG. 7A illustrates a comparison of different multiplexer architectures710 a, 610 b operating in a single-band mode. The plots 750 a, 760 aprovide simulated data corresponding to the different architectures fortwo cellular frequency bands, B12 and B26, to illustrate resultinginsertion losses associated with providing switchable impedance fortargeted phase shifts in a switched multiplexing application.

A third example architecture 710 a, labeled “baseline” in the diagramabove and in the plots below, differs from the first examplearchitecture 610 a described herein with reference to FIG. 6A in thatthe baseline architecture 710 a includes dedicated signal paths betweenrespective filters and the switching network with inductor shunts oneach dedicated signal path. Such an architecture would result in the useof a relatively large number of shunt inductors as the number ofsupported cellular frequency bands grows. One difference between thebaseline architecture 710 a and the new architecture 610 b is thesharing of the matching inductor coupled to the signal port which isused in single-band operation and the sharing of a switchable inductorcoupled to a throw of the switching network that is used in multi-bandoperation. By comparison, the new architecture 610 b, described hereinwith reference to FIG. 6A, can expand the number of supported cellularfrequency bands without necessarily increasing the number of inductors.This reduction in components can result in cost and space savings, bothof which may be used or leveraged to improve performance in a wirelessdevice.

The plots 750 a, 750 b respectively correspond to insertion losses as afunction of frequency for the two example cellular frequency bands: B12and B26. In each plot, the baseline architecture 710 a is illustratedwith a solid line and the new architecture 610 b is illustrated with thedashed line. In single-band operation mode, the new architecture 610 bdemonstrates comparable insertion losses relative to the baselinearchitecture 610 a. Accordingly, the new architecture 610 b can providecomparable performance in non-CA operating modes while reducing thenumber of components used in the architecture relative to the baselinearchitecture 710 a.

FIG. 7B illustrates performance plots 750 b, 760 b when the baselinearchitecture 710 a and new architecture 610 b operate in multi-band modeor carrier aggregation mode. In multi-band operation mode, the newarchitecture 610 b demonstrates comparable insertion losses relative tothe baseline architecture 710 a. As shown in the plots, by incorporatinga switchable inductance in parallel with a shared inductor shunt,insertion losses can be comparable relative to the baseline architecture710 a that includes a dedicated signal paths each with a shared inductorshunt. Accordingly, the new architecture 610 b provides comparableperformance in single- and multi-band operating modes while reducing thenumber of components used in the device. The reduction in components canresult in cost savings. The reduction in components may also allowopportunities to improve performance by increasing the size and/orquality of the inductors and/or improving other components of thearchitecture or device to improve performance.

Examples of Modules, Architectures, and Devices

FIG. 8 shows that in some embodiments, some or all of the diversityreceiver configurations and/or carrier aggregation configurations,including some or all of the configurations having combinations offeatures described herein (e.g., with reference to FIGS. 1-7B), can beimplemented, wholly or partially, in a module. Such a module can be, forexample, a front-end module (FEM). Such a module can be, for example, adiversity receiver (DRx) FEM. Such a module can be, for example, amulti-input, multi-output (MiMo) module.

In the example of FIG. 8, a DRx module 808 can include a packagingsubstrate 801, and a number of components can be mounted on such apackaging substrate 801. For example, a controller 802 (which mayinclude a front-end power management integrated circuit [FE-PIMC]), anamplifier assembly 820 (e.g., power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers,etc.), a multiplexing assembly 810 that includes switchable impedancecircuit 814, and a filter bank 817 can be mounted and/or implemented onand/or within the packaging substrate 801. In some embodiments, thefilter bank 817 is implemented as part of the multiplexing assembly 810.Other components, such as a number of SMT devices 805, can also bemounted on the packaging substrate 801. In some embodiments, the SMTdevices 805 include a plurality of inductors coupled to the switchableimpedance circuit 814. Although all of the various components aredepicted as being laid out on the packaging substrate 801, it will beunderstood that some component(s) can be implemented over othercomponent(s).

FIG. 9 shows that in some embodiments, some or all of the diversityreceiver configurations and/or carrier aggregation configurations,including some or all of the configurations having combinations offeatures described herein (e.g., with reference to FIGS. 1-7B), can beimplemented, wholly or partially, in an architecture. Such anarchitecture may include one or more modules, and can be configured toprovide front-end functionality such as diversity receiver (DRx)front-end functionality.

In the example of FIG. 9, an architecture 908 can include a controller902 (which may include a front-end power management integrated circuit[FE-PIMC]), an amplifier assembly 920 (e.g., power amplifiers, low noiseamplifiers, etc.), a multiplexing assembly 910 having a switchableimpedance circuit 914, and a filter bank 917. In some embodiments, thefilter bank 917 is implemented as part of the multiplexing assembly 910.Other components, such as a number of SMT devices 905, can also beimplemented in the architecture 908. In some embodiments, the SMTdevices 905 include a plurality of inductors coupled to the switchableimpedance circuit 914.

In some implementations, a device and/or a circuit having one or morefeatures described herein can be included in an RF electronic devicesuch as a wireless device. Such a device and/or a circuit can beimplemented directly in the wireless device, in a modular form asdescribed herein, or in some combination thereof. In some embodiments,such a wireless device can include, for example, a cellular phone, asmart-phone, a hand-held wireless device with or without phonefunctionality, a wireless tablet, etc.

FIG. 10 depicts an example wireless device 1000 having one or moreadvantageous features described herein. In the context of one or moremodules having one or more features as described herein, such modulescan be generally depicted by a dashed box 1006 (which can be implementedas, for example, a front-end module), a diversity receiver (DRx) module1008 (which can be implemented as, for example, a front-end module), anda multiplexing module 1010 a, 1010 b.

Power amplifiers (PAs) 1020 can receive their respective signals (e.g.,radio-frequency (RF) signals) from a transceiver 1004 that can beconfigured and operated to generate signals to be amplified andtransmitted, and to process received signals. The transceiver 1004 isshown to interact with a baseband sub-system 1009 that is configured toprovide conversion between data and/or voice signals suitable for a userand RF signals suitable for the transceiver 1004. The transceiver 1004can also be in communication with a power management component 1005 thatis configured to manage power for the operation of the wireless device1000. Such power management can also control operations of the basebandsub-system 1009 and the modules 1006, 1008, 1010 a, and 1010 b.

The baseband sub-system 1009 is shown to be connected to a userinterface 1001 to facilitate various input and output of voice and/ordata provided to and received from the user. The baseband sub-system1009 can also be connected to a memory 1003 that is configured to storedata and/or instructions to facilitate the operation of the wirelessdevice, and/or to provide storage of information for the user.

In the example wireless device 1000, outputs of the PAs 1020 are shownto be matched (via respective match circuits 1022) and routed to afilter bank 1017 that includes respective diplexers. Such amplified andfiltered signals can be routed to a primary antenna 1030 through aswitching network 1015 for transmission. In some embodiments, thefilters 1017 can allow transmit and receive operations to be performedsimultaneously using a common antenna (e.g., primary antenna 1030).Received signals can be routed to receive paths that can include, forexample, respective low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) 1026.

In the example wireless device 1000, signals received at the primaryantenna 1030 can be sent to a multiplexer 1010 a with switchableimpedance in the front end module 1006. The multiplexer with switchableimpedance 1610 a can include duplexers inductances 1013 a, 1013 b thatcan be configured to provide a targeted phase shift for signals passingthrough the filters 1017. The inductance 1013 a can be configured topart of the path through the multiplexer 1610 a when operating in singleband and multi-band mode. The inductance 1013 b can be configured to beselectively switched into the signal path during multi-band operation.The inductance 1013 b can be configured to provide a selected ortargeted inductance that may vary based at least in part on the signalsbeing selected for processing and/or carrier aggregation. In someimplementations, the multiplexer with switchable impedance 101 a can besimilar to the multiplexers described herein with reference to FIGS.2-5D.

The wireless device also includes a diversity antenna 1040 and adiversity receiver module 1008 that receives signals from the diversityantenna 1040. The diversity receive module 1008 includes a multiplexerwith switchable impedance 1010 b, similar to the reconfigurablemultiplexer 1010 a in the front end module 1006. The diversity receivermodule 1008 and the multiplexer with switchable impedance 1010 b processthe received signals and transmit the processed cellular signals to thetransceiver 1004. In some embodiments, a diplexer or triplexer can beincluded between the diversity antenna 1040 and the DRx module 1008and/or between the primary antenna 1030 and the front end module 1006,as described herein.

One or more features of the present disclosure can be implemented withvarious cellular frequency bands as described herein. Examples of suchbands are listed in Table 1. It will be understood that at least some ofthe bands can be divided into sub-bands. It will also be understood thatone or more features of the present disclosure can be implemented withfrequency ranges that do not have designations such as the examples ofTable 1. It is to be understood that the term radio frequency (RF) andradio frequency signals refers to signals that include at least thefrequencies listed in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Band Mode Tx Frequency Range (MHz) Rx Frequency Range (MHz)  B1FDD 1,920-1,980 2,110-2,170  B2 FDD 1,850-1,910 1,930-1,990  B3 FDD1,710-1,785 1,805-1,880  B4 FDD 1,710-1,755 2,110-2,155  B5 FDD 824-849869-894  B6 FDD 830-840 875-885  B7 FDD 2,500-2,570 2,620-2,690  B8 FDD880-915 925-960  B9 FDD 1,749.9-1,784.9 1,844.9-1,879.9 B10 FDD1,710-1,770 2,110-2,170 B11 FDD 1,427.9-1,447.9 1,475.9-1,495.9 B12 FDD699-716 729-746 B13 FDD 777-787 746-756 B14 FDD 788-798 758-768 B15 FDD1,900-1,920 2,600-2,620 B16 FDD 2,010-2,025 2,585-2,600 B17 FDD 704-716734-746 B18 FDD 815-830 860-875 B19 FDD 830-845 875-890 B20 FDD 832-862791-821 B21 FDD 1,447.9-1,462.9 1,495.9-1,510.9 B22 FDD 3,410-3,4903,510-3,590 B23 FDD 2,000-2,020 2,180-2,200 B24 FDD 1,626.5-1,660.51,525-1,559 B25 FDD 1,850-1,915 1,930-1,995 B26 FDD 814-849 859-894 B27FDD 807-824 852-869 B28 FDD 703-748 758-803 B29 FDD N/A 716-728 B30 FDD2,305-2,315 2,350-2,360 B31 FDD 452.5-457.5 462.5-467.5 B32 FDD N/A1,452-1,496 B33 TDD 1,900-1,920 1,900-1,920 B34 TDD 2,010-2,0252,010-2,025 B35 TDD 1,850-1,910 1,850-1,910 B36 TDD 1,930-1,9901,930-1,990 B37 TDD 1,910-1,930 1,910-1,930 B38 TDD 2,570-2,6202,570-2,620 B39 TDD 1,880-1,920 1,880-1,920 B40 TDD 2,300-2,4002,300-2,400 B41 TDD 2,496-2,690 2,496-2,690 B42 TDD 3,400-3,6003,400-3,600 B43 TDD 3,600-3,800 3,600-3,800 B44 TDD 703-803 703-803 B45TDD 1,447-1,467 1,447-1,467 B46 TDD 5,150-5,925 5,150-5,925 B65 FDD1,920-2,010 2,110-2,200 B66 FDD 1,710-1,780 2,110-2,200 B67 FDD N/A738-758 B68 FDD 698-728 753-783

The present disclosure describes various features, no single one ofwhich is solely responsible for the benefits described herein. It willbe understood that various features described herein may be combined,modified, or omitted, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill.Other combinations and sub-combinations than those specificallydescribed herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill, and areintended to form a part of this disclosure. Various methods aredescribed herein in connection with various flowchart steps and/orphases. It will be understood that in many cases, certain steps and/orphases may be combined together such that multiple steps and/or phasesshown in the flowcharts can be performed as a single step and/or phase.Also, certain steps and/or phases can be broken into additionalsub-components to be performed separately. In some instances, the orderof the steps and/or phases can be rearranged and certain steps and/orphases may be omitted entirely. Also, the methods described herein areto be understood to be open-ended, such that additional steps and/orphases to those shown and described herein can also be performed.

Some aspects of the systems and methods described herein canadvantageously be implemented using, for example, computer software,hardware, firmware, or any combination of computer software, hardware,and firmware. Computer software can comprise computer executable codestored in a computer readable medium (e.g., non-transitory computerreadable medium) that, when executed, performs the functions describedherein. In some embodiments, computer-executable code is executed by oneor more general purpose computer processors. A skilled artisan willappreciate, in light of this disclosure, that any feature or functionthat can be implemented using software to be executed on a generalpurpose computer can also be implemented using a different combinationof hardware, software, or firmware. For example, such a module can beimplemented completely in hardware using a combination of integratedcircuits. Alternatively or additionally, such a feature or function canbe implemented completely or partially using specialized computersdesigned to perform the particular functions described herein ratherthan by general purpose computers.

Multiple distributed computing devices can be substituted for any onecomputing device described herein. In such distributed embodiments, thefunctions of the one computing device are distributed (e.g., over anetwork) such that some functions are performed on each of thedistributed computing devices.

Some embodiments may be described with reference to equations,algorithms, and/or flowchart illustrations. These methods may beimplemented using computer program instructions executable on one ormore computers. These methods may also be implemented as computerprogram products either separately, or as a component of an apparatus orsystem. In this regard, each equation, algorithm, block, or step of aflowchart, and combinations thereof, may be implemented by hardware,firmware, and/or software including one or more computer programinstructions embodied in computer-readable program code logic. As willbe appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loadedonto one or more computers, including without limitation a generalpurpose computer or special purpose computer, or other programmableprocessing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the computerprogram instructions which execute on the computer(s) or otherprogrammable processing device(s) implement the functions specified inthe equations, algorithms, and/or flowcharts. It will also be understoodthat each equation, algorithm, and/or block in flowchart illustrations,and combinations thereof, may be implemented by special purposehardware-based computer systems which perform the specified functions orsteps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer-readableprogram code logic means.

Furthermore, computer program instructions, such as embodied incomputer-readable program code logic, may also be stored in a computerreadable memory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable medium) thatcan direct one or more computers or other programmable processingdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructionsstored in the computer-readable memory implement the function(s)specified in the block(s) of the flowchart(s). The computer programinstructions may also be loaded onto one or more computers or otherprogrammable computing devices to cause a series of operational steps tobe performed on the one or more computers or other programmablecomputing devices to produce a computer-implemented process such thatthe instructions which execute on the computer or other programmableprocessing apparatus provide steps for implementing the functionsspecified in the equation(s), algorithm(s), and/or block(s) of theflowchart(s).

Some or all of the methods and tasks described herein may be performedand fully automated by a computer system. The computer system may, insome cases, include multiple distinct computers or computing devices(e.g., physical servers, workstations, storage arrays, etc.) thatcommunicate and interoperate over a network to perform the describedfunctions. Each such computing device typically includes a processor (ormultiple processors) that executes program instructions or modulesstored in a memory or other non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium or device. The various functions disclosed herein may be embodiedin such program instructions, although some or all of the disclosedfunctions may alternatively be implemented in application-specificcircuitry (e.g., ASICs or FPGAs) of the computer system. Where thecomputer system includes multiple computing devices, these devices may,but need not, be co-located. The results of the disclosed methods andtasks may be persistently stored by transforming physical storagedevices, such as solid state memory chips and/or magnetic disks, into adifferent state.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” The word “coupled”, as generally usedherein, refers to two or more elements that may be either directlyconnected, or connected by way of one or more intermediate elements.Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similarimport, when used in this application, shall refer to this applicationas a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Wherethe context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using thesingular or plural number may also include the plural or singular numberrespectively. The word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items,that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: anyof the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and anycombination of the items in the list. The word “exemplary” is usedexclusively herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, orillustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is notnecessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otherimplementations.

The disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementationsshown herein. Various modifications to the implementations described inthis disclosure may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, andthe generic principles defined herein may be applied to otherimplementations without departing from the spirit or scope of thisdisclosure. The teachings of the invention provided herein can beapplied to other methods and systems, and are not limited to the methodsand systems described above, and elements and acts of the variousembodiments described above can be combined to provide furtherembodiments. Accordingly, the novel methods and systems described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods andsystems described herein may be made without departing from the spiritof the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents areintended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within thescope and spirit of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for carrier aggregation, the systemcomprising: a filter assembly having a plurality of signal paths throughthe filter assembly, the plurality of signal paths including one or morereceive paths and one or more transmit paths, each signal path having afilter designed to a pass a frequency band associated with a particularradio access network; a switching assembly having a switch path throughthe switching assembly; a first inductance coupled between an antennaport and the switching assembly; a second inductance coupled to theswitching assembly, the second inductance configured to be selectivelyconnected in parallel with the first inductance; and a controllerconfigured to form selected paths through the switching assembly usingthe switch path, the controller further configured to, in a single-bandoperation mode, disconnect the second inductance from the switch pathand, in a multi-band operation mode, connect the second inductance tothe switch path.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the switch path isconfigured to direct signals to designated filters of the filterassembly, a designated filter associated with a targeted radio accessnetwork.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the filter assembly includesat least one filter per signal path through the filter assembly.
 4. Thesystem of claim 3 where a filter for an individual signal path throughthe filter assembly is designed to pass a frequency band associated witha particular radio access network.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein thesecond inductance is a variable inductance.
 6. The system of claim 1wherein signal paths between the filter assembly and the switchingassembly do not include inductors.
 7. The system of claim 1 furthercomprising a plurality of additional inductances coupled to theswitching assembly and configured to be selectively coupled in parallelwith the first inductance.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein the firstinductance comprises a shunt inductor.
 9. The system of claim 1 whereinthe second inductance comprises a shunt inductor.
 10. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the second inductance has a value that is two times thefirst inductance.
 11. A front end module comprising: a packagingsubstrate configured to receive a plurality of components; a carrieraggregation system mounted on the packaging substrate, the carrieraggregation system including a filter assembly having a plurality ofsignal paths through the filter assembly, the plurality of signal pathsincluding one or more receive paths and one or more transmit paths, eachsignal path having a filter designed to a pass a frequency bandassociated with a particular radio access network; the carrieraggregation system also including a switching assembly having a switchpath through the switching assembly; the carrier aggregation system alsoincluding a first inductance coupled between an antenna port and theswitching assembly; the carrier aggregation system also including asecond inductance coupled to the switching assembly, the secondinductance configured to be selectively connected in parallel with thefirst inductance; and a controller mounted to the packaging substrateand configured to form selected paths through the switching assemblyusing the switch path, the controller further configured to, in asingle-band operation mode, disconnect the second inductance from theswitch path and, in a multi-band operation mode, connect the secondinductance to the switch path.
 12. The front end module of claim 11wherein the switch path is configured to direct signals to designatedfilters of the filter assembly, a designated filter associated with atargeted radio access network.
 13. The front end module of claim 11wherein the filter assembly includes at least one filter per signal paththrough the filter assembly.
 14. The front end module of claim 13 wherea filter for an individual signal path through the filter assembly isdesigned to pass a frequency band associated with a particular radioaccess network.
 15. The front end module of claim 11 wherein signalpaths between the filter assembly and the switching assembly do notinclude inductors.
 16. A wireless device comprising: an antenna; acarrier aggregation system including a filter assembly having aplurality of signal paths through the filter assembly, the plurality ofsignal paths including one or more receive paths and one or moretransmit paths, each signal path having a filter designed to a pass afrequency band associated with a particular radio access network; thecarrier aggregation system also including a switching assembly having aswitch path through the switching assembly; the carrier aggregationsystem also including a first inductance coupled between an antenna portcoupled to the antenna and the switching assembly; the carrieraggregation system also including a second inductance coupled to theswitching assembly, the second inductance configured to be selectivelyconnected in parallel with the first inductance; and a controllerconfigured to form selected paths through the switching assembly usingthe switch path, the controller further configured to, in a single-bandoperation mode, disconnect the second inductance from the switch pathand, in a multi-band operation mode, connect the second inductance tothe switch path.
 17. The wireless device of claim 16 wherein the switchpath is configured to direct signals to designated filters of the filterassembly, a designated filter associated with a targeted radio accessnetwork.
 18. The wireless device of claim 16 wherein the filter assemblyincludes at least one filter per signal path through the filterassembly.
 19. The wireless device of claim 18 where a filter for anindividual signal path through the filter assembly is designed to pass afrequency band associated with a particular radio access network. 20.The wireless device of claim 16 wherein signal paths between the filterassembly and the switching assembly do not include inductors.